Council’s draft budget to deliver on community needs
Published on 28 May 2025
Melton City Council released its 2025/26 Draft Budget for community feedback this week with an ambitious capital works program of $225.8 million proposed.
The annual draft budget has been shaped with input from the community following an invitation late last year for residents and groups to put forward their ideas. A total of 17 ideas totalling $3.6 million have been included in this year’s draft budget.
Council’s biggest ever capital works investment will include roads ($32.9 million); recreational, leisure and community facilities ($54.6 million); and park upgrades, open space and streetscape improvements ($12.3 million).
Major project investments include $45.3 million for construction of Cobblebank Community Services Hub, and $27.8 million to commence construction of the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre, two transformational projects for the City’s fast-growing community.
Average rates for 2025/26 are proposed to increase by 3 per cent, which is in line with the State Government’s rate cap, to continue to deliver more than 100 services for the City’s rapidly growing population and invest in community spaces and natural environment.
The 2025/26 draft budget is open for community consultation until 5pm Monday 9 June 2025.
Find out more and have your say at City of Melton Conversations.
Highlights of the 2025/26 draft Budget include:
Major Projects
- $45.3 million for construction of Cobblebank Community Services Hub
- $27.8 million to commence construction of the Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Children’s and Community Centres
- $8.4 million for construction of Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre
- $7.6 million to commence construction of the Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House
Playspaces
- $800,000 for Arbour Boulevard Central Reserve playspace upgrade
- $800,000 for Melton South Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade
- $700,000 for Norm Raven Reserve playspace upgrade
- $1 million for Parkwood Green Reserve playspace upgrades
- $800,000 for Mt Carberry Reserve playspace upgrades
Recreation Reserves
- $5.9 million for the redevelopment of Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve Sportsground
- $3.8 million to complete the Macpherson Park Rugby Pavilion
- $2.5 million for reconstruction of the Arnolds Creek tennis courts
Road and Transport Upgrades – Taylors Road Corridor
- $2.1 million for traffic lights at Plumpton Road
- $4.5 million for traffic lights at Sinclairs Road
- $1.8 million to commence duplication - Gourlay Rd to Westwood Drive, including upgrading Gourlay Road intersection
- $1.3 million to commence construction of traffic light at intersection of Westwood Drive including road duplication between Westwood Drive and Gourlay Road
Additional Road Projects
- $2.8 million for turning lanes at Exford Road car park and Murphys Road
- $2.2 million for a new pedestrian bridge in Modeina Estate, Burnside
- $1.9 million to upgrade the Exford Road/Wilson Road and Exford Road/Northcott Street intersection
- $2.3 million to construct Sugar Gum Estate footpaths
Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi:
“Council’s Draft Budget for 2025/26 continues to deliver on the long-term aspirations and needs of our growing and diverse community.”
“We’re investing in roads, facilities, services, engaging programs, and vibrant public spaces to make the City of Melton a better place for everyone.”
“Council is pleased to support our community’s ideas to the tune of more than $3.6 million, demonstrating our commitment to listening to our residents and responding to their needs.
“We’re inviting our community to share their views on this draft document to help ensure the final budget meets our community’s needs now and in the future.”